Monrovia, Liberia – Criminal Court ‘C’ is set to begin jury selection on Monday, February 25, 2025, in the case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several others. Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie announced a pretrial conference at the Temple of Justice, where both the prosecution and defense agreed to share relevant documents ahead of the trial.
During the proceedings, the defense requested a jury trial, a legal right under Liberia’s criminal procedure laws. The prosecution did not oppose the request but insisted that the selected jurors be sequestered to maintain the integrity of the process. Under sequestration, jurors will be isolated to prevent outside influence, ensuring impartiality in the case.
The trial stems from allegations of economic sabotage, misuse of public money, theft, illegal disbursement, and criminal conspiracy against Tweah, former Acting Justice Minister Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, and other ex-officials of the George Weah administration. The Republic of Liberia brought the charges, represented by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
Judge Willie’s appointment to oversee the case follows the recusal of Judge A. Blamo Dixon, who stepped aside after a mandate from Supreme Court Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay. The decision came after prosecution attorneys raised concerns about Judge Dixon’s impartiality, citing remarks he allegedly made in open court that could have undermined the prosecution’s case. Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh subsequently assigned Judge Willie, who currently serves as Resident Judge of Criminal Court ‘A,’ to preside over the proceedings in Criminal Court ‘C’ for this high-profile trial. His appointment is expected to provide judicial oversight as the case moves forward.
